November 10

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 12:07

1945

Attending an event themed “Women’s support for South Vietnam,” President Ho Chi Minh conferred a gold medal on Vuong Thi Lai (alias Loi Quyen) who was the biggest donor to the “Golden Week” campaign that called on people to contribute to the Defense Fund.

President Ho Chi Minh on his visit to a extra course class in Hanoi in 1956 (File photo)

“Ms. Lai’s action reflects the willingness and sacrifice of all Vietnamese women,” he said.He also presented a portrait of his to Nguyen Son Ha of Hai Phong City, the second biggest donor to the Fund.

November 1945

In a congratulatory message to the leaders of political parties that won the general elections in France, the President said: “I regret to know that the French Government is resorting to the British army’s support to cause bloodshed in Indochina, including South Vietnam, to re-establish its rule there.

“In the name of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’ – the motto of the Republic of France – and in the name of the United Nations’ peaceful policies, I request you to consider this unjust action. “If France agrees to recognize Vietnam’s independence, the Vietnamese people will have friendly feelings towards France; otherwise, they will be determined to fight to the last drop of blood to safeguard their freedom.”

1946

Visiting Thay Pagoda near Hanoi, the President got to know that local residents were enjoying a bumper crop. He said: “A good crop means people’s lives will improve, but they should practice thrift.”

He also said: “Previously, our country was lost and our people were illiterate; now our country has become independent, our people should try to learn, step up production, and protect natural landscapes. They should also promote the spirit of solidarity.

Attending an event titled “International Youth Day” the same day, he said: “Among young people there are many with poor health. Officials in charge of gymnastics and sports and students of gymnastics schools should encourage people to exercise to improve their health and popularize gymnastics.”

1947

In a letter of praise for the universalization of education in Hai Duong Province where six villages achieved 100 percent literacy, the President wrote: “I hope that people are also taught to support the resistance, assist soldiers in winter, and offer assistance to people who have to be evacuated when necessary.”

1949

The President wrote an open letter in praise to agencies, soldiers, and people for their great efforts in coping with floods. It read: “It is one of the good outcomes of the policy that mobilizes every person and resource for the resistance war. With solidarity, we have overcome the impact of floods; now with the very solidarity, we will also defeat the French colonialists.”

1951

In a letter of praise to people and soldiers in the Inter-Region III for driving back the enemy, the President said: “We are suffering hardships in our protracted resistance war, but we will certainly win this war. We must be determined to defeat the enemy but should not be complacent or underestimate them.”

By Duong Trung Quoc* and his assistants*The author is a historian and member of the National Assembly